Life style
Diminishing Dumbara patterns call for revival
The Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum is home to a striking repertoire of Dumbara designs. The collection which is open to the public only through temporary exhibitions, urges the revival of this fast diminishing traditional form of Lankan art which is described as a kind of ‘artistic meditation.’
by Randima Attygalle
The staff of the Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum treats me to a feast of painstakingly designed exotic dumbara mats, tapestries, cushion covers, purses and much more. I marvel at the skill of the traditional Lankan artisan which is often taken for granted, bargained over, driven to substitute with other means of income today.
Once the staple of the picturesque Dumbara valley (valley of the mist) or Dumbara mitiyawatha, the craft was even sought by royalty. Some of the descendants of the master weavers who enthralled Kandyan monarchs with their art, still labour to keep their family tradition alive in villages of the Dumbara valley such as Thalagune and Menikhinna. They work against many odds. The base for the craft is the hemp leaf (niyanda hana) botanically termed Sansevieria zeylanica which is hard to source today. This drives the weavers to find substitutes such as cotton.
“The difficulty in sourcing traditional inputs and the poor market price for this time consuming craft force many weavers to abandon it. In the olden days, low pit looms were used to weave hemp. Today these are replaced by cotton and standing looms. The natural dyes are today replaced with synthetics,” notes the Director General, Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarchchi.
One of the chief keepers of the tangible history of ours, Kasthuriarachchi with her special interest in traditional local arts, moots public-private collaborations to revive this one-of-a-kind Sri Lankan craft. Unless the weavers are offered incentives and assisted to find markets, their art would soon be confined only to museums, she laments. “This environmental-friendly form of art deserves pride of place in homes, offices and hotels and a national boost is necessary.”
The Colombo National Museum’s collection of dumbara designs are a mix of donations and purchases. The entire collection, however, is not meant for public viewing, given the restrictions in exhibiting space. “We do our best to enable public access through our temporary exhibitions from time to time,” says the DG. The collection also facilitates research. They are important for the study of the use of colours, the distinct patterns of fauna and flora and other inherent weaving skills of master weavers.
An intense research on Dumbara craft by the Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum is underway. The community-based research in the traditional weaving villages of Dumbara which was to commence last year was suspended due to the pandemic. Museum officials hope to recommence the project once normalcy returns.
“Today the craft has been diversified and has added handbags, file covers, pencil holders etc. to its portfolio. Yet, unless the craftspeople are given a sense of security including assured markets locally and globally, this craft will not last up to the next generation,” remarks Manoj Hettiarachchi. The Museum’s anthropology curator. Museum officials encourage the public to add to their Dumbara collection.
‘An investment in the national interest, such donated exhibits from private collections will be conserved for posterity. They are treated against possible insect attacksand other hazards.’
The dumbara patterns were perfected by men and women of the kinnaraya caste, notes Ananda Coomaraswamy in his work,
Mediaeval Sinhalase Art. The historian also mentions ballads known as kinnara kavi sung by ancient dumbara weavers.
The labour-intensive fibre-production process is described by Coomaraswamy in his book. The rounded green leaves of the hana plant are gathered and scraped against a log known as the niyanda poruwa with a wooden tool (ge-valla) shaped like a spoke shave. ‘This scraping removes the fleshy part of the leaf, leaving the white fibre, which is oiled and brushed and then ready for use almost immediately. Part of the material is left white, the rest dyed red, yellow or black.’
As Coomsraswamy describes: ‘the red colour is obtained by boiling the fibre with patangi wood, korakaha leaves and gingelly oil or seeds; the yellow from a decoction of venivel; the black with the help of gall nuts, aralu and bulu.’ Added to these three traditionally used natural colours mentioned by Coomaraswamy are an assortment of others including green and blue sourced by artificial dyes.
The loom is described as a ‘low horizontal contrivance’ and the weaver squats on the mat itself, supported by a few flat logs between it and the ground. The pattern is picked up with the weaver’s lathe (vema); this lathe, having an eye at one end, serves as a bodkin called heda liya with which to draw the weft threads through the warp.’
Perfectly plain mats are called pannam kalala, Coomaraswamy documents. These are usually decorated with birds, as is usually are kurullu kalala. Those with a variety of patterns are veda kalala or veda peduru. Among the notable dumbara patterns are toran-petta, tarava,tani-vel iruwa, depota lanuwa, taraka petta, pannam petta, tunpota lanuwa, del geta lanuva and mal gaha. Animal patterns of birds, deer, cobra and elephants were also popular.
Pic credit: Department of National Museums
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Bungalow
The grand opening of Peace Haven Bungalow at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle was celebrated with an unforgettable evening of opera. Guests were serenaded by internationally renowned talents including Concert Pianist Jean-Marc Pont Marchesi from Paris, Soprano Chrisni Mendis from Rome and Sri Lanka, and Russian Tenor Sergei Radchenko. These acclaimed artists were joined by celebrated local performers Indika Upamali and Subuddhi Lakmali, supported by Sanithi Dias, Manoj Sanjeewa, Madhava Bandara, Tusith Simpson, and Anosh Ismail. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, part of Minor Hotels,recently the resort’s most exclusive and luxurious event venue to date. It was a grand evening of glitz,glamour and entertainment.
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s breathtaking southern coastline, Peace Haven Bungalow offers a stunning canvas for elegant weddings, private occasions, and high-end MICE events, blending timeless elegance with signature Anantara hospitality.
Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this bungalow offers a unique setting for up to 200 guests. As the only venue of its kind along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it answers the growing demand for world-class luxury event spaces in the region with bespoke event planning and immersive culinary experiences.
Following the magnificent performance, guests enjoyed a lavish dinner and wine pairing experience, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
“This evening marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Peace Haven Bungalow,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. “This venue is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for change in how we envision luxury celebrations, stories, and moments. Our signature Anantara hospitality is geared to uniquely cater to each guest from this stunning vantage point on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.”
The creation of Peace Haven Bungalow represents a shared vision with Hemas Holdings PLC, a partnership that harmoniously combines heritage, innovation, and a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Offering panoramic ocean views, impeccable design, and tailored service, the venue is poised to set a new benchmark for premier events in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set within a 22-acre coconut plantation, The resort is the only property in Tangalle situated on a rocky outcrop, offering a secluded and scenic retreat along Sri Lanka’s rugged southern coastline. The resort features 152 rooms and villas, including 14 Garden Pool Villas, 10 Ocean View Pool Villas, six Beach Pool Villas, and two -bedroom garden pool villas.
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- Arrival of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithree Wickramasinghe
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- Barbara Segal and Hemant Dadlani
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- General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – Erik Billgren addresses the gathering
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- (L to R) Tasneem Moosajee, Shyamalee Tudawe, Kishore Reddy, Champika De Silva and two other guests of the event
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- Dinner followed by the Opera event
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- The team who performed at the Opera event
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- Event setup
Cinnamon Lakeside , the epitome of luxury and refined hospitality hosted a spectacular two-day dining experience at its acclaimed Royal Thai Restaurant to commemorate Songkran, the cherished Thai New Year Festival,recently
This exclusive event was graced by the esteemed presence of ambassadors, high-profile media representatives, dignitaries, and distinguished guests who gathered to immerse themselves in a sumptuous celebration of Thai culture and cuisine. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President, warmly welcomed attendees, setting a tone of elegance and cultural reverence.
The evenings unfolded in a spectacular tapestry of flavours and traditions, masterfully curated by the culinary team of The Royal Thai Restaurant. Guests were delighted by an exquisite menu, reflecting authentic Thai culinary artistry, presented with flawless sophistication and meticulous attention to detail.
The vibrant ambiance was accentuated by opulent décor reflecting the essence of Songkran. Guests were enchanted by captivating traditional Thai performances and authentic rituals that beautifully symbolized the renewal and prosperity at the heart of Songkran.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo continues to be celebrated as a beacon of glamour and hospitality, curating unforgettable experiences that blend rich cultural traditions with modern elegance.
Pix by Darmasena Welipitiya
“Walk to Equality” – A Fashion Show Celebrating Life Without Labels was held recently, media representatives and distinguished guests gathered at Cinnamon Grand Colombo for the official press conference of the Walk to Equality fashion show It was an inspiring initiative presented by The Walk Model Academy in partnership with Cinnamon Grand Colombo. With the powerful tagline “Life Without Labels,” this event aims to redefine fashion by championing inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.
Set to take place on May 19th, the Walk to Equality fashion show will feature a groundbreaking lineup of models, highlighting their confidence and individuality on the runway. This bold move challenges conventional beauty standards while providing a platform for often underrepresented voices in the fashion world.
The press conference offered a heartfelt look into the mission behind the show and the stories of the individuals involved. Organizers emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative—not just as a show, but as a movement. With a strong focus on social impact, the event seeks to promote empathy, equality, and acceptance through the universal language of fashion.
Collaborating closely with the Equality team and a host of creative partners, the show has become a beacon of what’s possible when communities unite for a common cause. The behind-the-scenes journey, from training to fittings, has been designed to uplift and empower each model, making the event more than just a moment on the runway—it’s a celebration of strength and self-expression.
Tickets for the Walk to Equality fashion show are now available for purchase online, with proceeds going toward the Meals on Wheels charitable cause, supporting rural children in need. Those interested in attending, contributing, or simply spreading awareness are encouraged to visit our social media channels for updates, ticket information, or to become a well-wisher for this important initiative.
The Academy extended thier deepest gratitude to all who have helped bring this vision to life. They shared a special thank you to Cinnamon Grand Colombo, title and hospitality partner, for their continued belief in the power of inclusion. They extended thier thanks for all their generous sponsors for thier support and help
Together, we walk toward a world where every life is valued, and every person is seen—a life without labels sums up thier motto
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